Minimum Distance Separation

Development in the agricultural area requires, amongst other things, compliance with the Minimum Distance Separation (MDS) Formulae. The MDS formulae were developed by the Province to reduce incompatibility concerns stemming from odour impacts from livestock facilities.

More information is provided on the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) website. 

MDS is made up of two separate, but related, formulae that act reciprocally to site both new development (e.g. residences, churches, and other sensitive uses) and new or expanding livestock facilities as follows:

MDS I – provides the minimum distance separation between proposed new development and any existing livestock barns, manure storages and/or anaerobic digesters.

MDS II – provides the minimum distance separation between proposed new, expanding or remodelled livestock barns, manure storages and/or anaerobic digesters and existing or approved development.

If you are considering new development or new, expanding or remodelled livestock barns, manure storages and/or anaerobic digesters (or both), an assessment of MDS will be required.

There are agricultural consultants in and around the Perth County area that can assist and prepare the necessary MDS assessment needed in order to obtain a building permit.

Contact information is provided below in no particular order:

The above consultants have all confirmed with the Township that they are able to prepare MDS calculations/assessments for both MDS I and MDS II. The above contact information was obtained from the Province’s Nutrient Management Consultants registry available online. 

To be added to the above list, please email the Planner with your full contact information advising that you are:

• on the Province’s Nutrient Management Consultants registry; and
• able to prepare such MDS calculations/Assessments for both MDS I and MDS II.